Watch What You Flush
Your toilet works best with water, human waste, and toilet paper. Many items that seem harmless can actually cause clogs and lead to costly repairs. Developing proper flushing habits is crucial to maintaining a healthy plumbing system.
Keep these common items out of your toilet:
- Feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons
- Baby wipes and cleaning wipes
- Paper towels
- Grease or cooking oils
Even products marketed as “flushable” don’t break down like traditional toilet paper and can accumulate in your pipes, creating stubborn blockages throughout your plumbing system.
Control Your Toilet Paper Usage
Using too much toilet paper can also lead to clogs. While it breaks down faster than wipes or paper towels, excessive amounts create blockages in your pipes. If you’re wondering how to prevent clogs, being mindful of how much toilet paper you use is one of the most effective habits.
Keep Tree Roots Away From Pipes
Large trees in your yard can send roots underground toward your sewer lines, creating blockages that cause frequent backups. Watch for warning signs, such as recurring clogs, gurgling sounds when flushing, or slow-draining toilets. Professional plumbers can inspect your sewer line with specialized equipment to detect root problems early and recommend treatments that control growth without damaging your pipes.
Maintain Your Toilet Hardware
A weak flush contributes to clogs because waste doesn’t fully clear the drain. Your toilet’s flapper valve controls the flow of water from the tank during each flush.
Check your flapper valve twice per year to ensure proper operation. If water constantly runs or your flush seems weak, adjust the chain length or replace the flapper entirely.
Clean Your Toilet Regularly
Regular cleaning helps you spot potential problems before they become expensive emergencies. Clearing toilet clogs is easier when you catch warning signs early through consistent inspection. Consider periodic drain cleaning as part of your maintenance routine to keep your plumbing system flowing smoothly.
Schedule Professional Plumbing Inspections
Even with careful prevention, hidden problems can develop in your plumbing system. Professional plumbers use specialized equipment to identify and resolve issues before they cause backups.
Annual plumbing inspections detect problems that may be invisible to the naked eye.
Trust MN Plumbing & Home Services for Reliable Toilet Solutions
By learning how to prevent toilet clogs, you can protect your home from unpleasant overflows and costly repairs. MN Plumbing & Home Services offers expert toilet repair and replacement services to quickly restore your bathroom’s functionality. Whether you need a simple repair or you’re considering replacing your toilet with a newer model, we’re here to help.
Call MN Plumbing & Home Services at (952) 522-2231 today for expert tips on how to prevent toilet clogs.
